Environment Detection

Before generating anything, determine the rendering mode.

Run bash scripts/setup.sh from the skill directory to auto-detect, or check manually:

bun	ffmpeg	Mode
No	No	Cloud Render -- read cloud-render.md
Yes

No | Cloud Render -- read cloud-render.md |
| Yes | Yes | Local Render (recommended) -- read local-render.md |

INLINECODE1 is required for all modes. Get one at https://varg.ai

Critical Rules

Everything you know about varg is likely outdated. Always verify against this skill and its references before writing code.

1. 1. Never guess model IDs -- consult models.md for current models, pricing, and constraints.
2. Function calls for media, JSX for composition -- Image({...}) creates media, <Clip> composes timeline. Never write <Image prompt="..." />.
3. Cache is sacred -- identical prompt + params = instant $0 cache hit. When iterating, keep unchanged prompts EXACTLY the same. Never clear cache.
4. One image per Video -- Video({ prompt: { images: [img] } }) takes exactly one image. Multiple images cause errors.
5. Duration constraints differ by model -- kling-v3: 3-15s (integer only). kling-v2.5: ONLY 5 or 10. Check models.md.
6. Gateway namespace -- use providerOptions: { varg: {...} }, never fal, when going through the gateway (both modes).
7. Renders cost money -- 1 credit = 1 cent. A typical 3-clip video costs $2-5. Use preview mode (local) or cheap models to iterate.

Quick Start

Cloud Render (no bun/ffmpeg needed)

CODEBLOCK0

Full details: cloud-render.md

Local Render (bun + ffmpeg)

CODEBLOCK1

CODEBLOCK2

Full details: local-render.md

Single Asset (no video composition)

For one-off images, videos, speech, or music without building a multi-clip template:

CODEBLOCK3

Full API reference: gateway-api.md

How to Write Video Code

Video code has two layers: media generation (function calls) and composition (JSX).

CODEBLOCK4

Component Summary

Component	Type	Purpose
INLINECODE8	Function call	Generate still image
INLINECODE9

Function call | Generate video (text-to-video or image-to-video) | | Speech() | Function call | Text-to-speech audio | | <Render> | JSX | Root container -- sets width, height, fps | | <Clip> | JSX | Timeline segment -- duration, transitions | | <Music> | JSX | Background audio (always set duration!) | | <Captions> | JSX | Subtitle track from Speech | | <Title> | JSX | Text overlay | | <Overlay> | JSX | Positioned layer | | <Split> / <Grid> | JSX | Layout helpers |

Full props: components.md

Provider Differences (Cloud vs Local)

Cloud Render	Local Render
No imports needed	INLINECODE20
INLINECODE21

varg.imageModel("nano-banana-pro") | | fal.videoModel("kling-v3") | varg.videoModel("kling-v3") | | elevenlabs.speechModel("eleven_v3") | varg.speechModel("eleven_v3") | | Globals are auto-injected | Must call createVarg() |

When to Use Which Provider

Scenario	Use	Auth
New project, simplest setup	INLINECODE28 (gateway)	INLINECODE29 only
Existing project with fal/elevenlabs keys

fal.*Model() / elevenlabs.*Model() | Individual keys | | Cloud render via curl/API | Gateway (only option) | VARG_API_KEY | | Need $0 billing with own keys | Gateway + BYOK headers | VARG_API_KEY + provider keys | | Specific provider feature not in gateway | Direct provider | Individual key |

Default recommendation: Use the gateway (varg.*Model() + VARG_API_KEY). It handles routing, caching, billing, and works with a single key.

Cost & Iteration

• - 1 credit = 1 cent. nano-banana-pro = 5 credits, kling-v3 = 150 credits, speech = 20-25 credits.
• Cache saves money. Keep unchanged prompts character-for-character identical across iterations.
• Preview first (local mode only): --preview generates free placeholders to validate structure.
• Full pricing: models.md

References

Load these on demand based on what you need:

Need	Reference	When to load
Render via API	cloud-render.md	No bun/ffmpeg, or user wants cloud rendering
Render locally

local-render.md | bun + ffmpeg available |
| Patterns & workflows | recipes.md | Talking head, character consistency, slideshow, lipsync |
| Model selection | models.md | Choosing models, checking prices, duration constraints |
| Component props | components.md | Need detailed props for any component |
| Better prompts | prompting.md | User wants cinematic / high-quality results |
| REST API | gateway-api.md | Single-asset generation or Render API details |
| Debugging | common-errors.md | Something failed or produced unexpected results |
| Full examples | templates.md | Need complete copy-paste-ready templates |
| BYOK keys | byok.md | Using your own provider API keys for $0 billing |